Reconciliation: Preparing for Confession in the Episcopal Church

Rating:
Summary: Think on these things
Review: As a "new" Episcopalian (Oct. 98), brought up Baptist, with many misconceptions about confession, I thank Martin Smith for writing this book. It is a cogent and loving explanation of the rite of reconciliation and reading it was a very positive experience. The Episcopal church does not require confession, or reconciliation, as it is called, and maybe that is why it comes across more as a privledge than a duty. I have recommended this book to non-Episcopals as a helpful way of self-examination. All of them welcomed the opportunity it represents for reflection.

Rating:
Summary: The reason why no one goes..
Review: The reason why confession is so unpopular is simply because so few people find that it has any point or does any of the good that the PR about it says it does. I went hundreds of times in my youth and never found it a source of grace. If anything, I found it to be a means to scrupulousity, pointless time spent parsing up actions and intents in an effort to decide what neeeded to be confessed and what didn't, an opportunity to open yourself to the attacks and criticisms of a very judgmental human being who bore no resemblance to the merciful and forgiving God he was supposed to represent, a means of developing a sense of resentment toward the church for demanding my best effort when confessing but not responding with their best effort in making it something worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: A great blessing to the church
Review: This is a wonderful book. As some background: my experience as a cradle Roman Catholic left me with enough baggage about sacremental confession to sink an aircraft carrier. Martin's book presented confession as a way to celebrate and experience the acceptance and forgiveness of a loving God rather than the censure of a judgemental human. Its on my top 10 for required spiritual reading (along with anything else Martin Smith writes).